Some runners and athletes in general experience shortness of breath, a cough after running in the cold, or even chest pain after exercise. These symptoms may reflect a well-known phenomenon in sports medicine: exercise-induced asthma , also known as exercise-induced bronchoconstriction .

Although it can be worrying, this respiratory disorder is generally benign and can often be controlled, provided you understand its mechanisms and adopt the right reflexes.

This article aims to provide you with some basic information about exercise-induced asthma and explain its symptoms and consequences for your sporting activity. If you have any doubts or experience pain, consult a doctor.

What is exercise-induced asthma?

Exercise-induced asthma is a particular form of asthma that occurs specifically during physical activity or in the minutes following it.

In fact, in some people, exercise causes the bronchi to react abnormally: they contract, temporarily reducing airflow and making breathing more difficult. This phenomenon is called exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.

This disorder affects both people who already have asthma and those who have never been diagnosed . In the latter, the signs only appear during exercise, which can cause the condition to go unnoticed for some time.

How does exercise-induced bronchoconstriction manifest?

When we exercise, we breathe more quickly and deeply. The air we breathe in, which is often colder and drier than at rest, doesn't always have time to warm and humidifie the airways. This sudden influx of cold, dry air can irritate the bronchi and cause them to contract . This is why many people experience lung pain when running in the cold, even if they don't have a known respiratory condition.

The environment also plays a key role . Cold air, pollution, allergens, or even dry indoor air (such as in gyms) can all contribute to the onset of these symptoms. In some cases, an exercise allergy can also amplify the bronchial reaction, particularly in people sensitive to pollen or dust mites.

Symptoms of exercise-induced asthma

Symptoms vary from person to person . The most common signs generally appear during exercise or within 5 to 15 minutes of stopping the activity:

  • Unusual shortness of breath or wheezing,
  • A persistent, sometimes dry, asthmatic cough,
  • A feeling of tightness in the chest,
  • Difficulty catching one's breath,
  • Chest pain or a feeling of chest pain when it is cold.

This cough after running in the cold is often the first detectable sign. In some people, it is accompanied by a slight wheezing sound when exhaling, which is typical of asthma. In more severe cases, shortness of breath may force the athlete to stop their activity .

Exercise-induced asthma: diagnosis and medical precautions

If you regularly experience breathing difficulties during exercise, it is important to talk to a doctor. Only they can confirm whether it is exercise-induced asthma or another respiratory cause. Diagnosis is usually based on a detailed history, sometimes supplemented by breathing tests (such as spirometry) or supervised exercise tests .

Medical advice is also recommended if the discomfort becomes disabling , if the cough persists after exercise, or if you experience other symptoms, such as nighttime attacks or breathing difficulties at rest. In these cases, you may be suffering from more general asthma that requires monitoring and appropriate treatment.

The Passy Alpirunning team on a winter outing: they're not feeling the cold!

How to calm an asthmatic cough and reduce symptoms?

Although it is not possible to completely eliminate exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, several solutions can significantly reduce symptoms and allow you to continue exercising safely.

We remind you that these are simple generic recommendations and do not replace consulting a healthcare professional. If you have any doubts or experience pain, consult a doctor.

Gradual warm-up

A warm-up of at least 15 minutes, with increasing intensity, helps accustom the bronchi to the effort and limit their reaction. This can be enough to prevent the onset of an asthmatic cough in many people.

Breathing through the nose

Breathing in through your nose better warms and humidifies the air before it reaches your lungs. This reduces airway irritation, especially when the air is cold or dry.

Adaptation to the environment

In winter, it's best to avoid running during the coldest hours of the day and to favor less polluted environments. Indoors, ensuring good air humidity can also limit symptoms.

Wearing a neck warmer or lightweight mask

This helps warm the air you breathe during outdoor sessions and reduces the risk of coughing after a run in the cold.

Medical treatment

In some cases, your doctor may prescribe a fast-acting bronchodilator to use before exercise . This type of preventative treatment, often used in athletes with asthma, helps prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.

For people already diagnosed with asthma, long-term treatment may also be offered to stabilize bronchial inflammation. It is important to follow medical advice and never change a treatment without professional advice.

Sport and asthma: should we stop physical activity?

Absolutely not! Regular exercise has been scientifically proven to be beneficial for people with asthma . It improves breathing capacity, strengthens the immune system, and can even reduce the frequency of attacks. The key is to know your body well, adapt your training, and apply the appropriate preventative measures. Many professional athletes suffer from exercise-induced asthma and continue to perform at the highest level.

In summary, exercise-induced bronchoconstriction and exercise-induced asthma are common phenomena among athletes, often benign and easily "controllable". Recognizing the symptoms allows you to adapt your practice and adopt the right reflexes. In the majority of cases, a few adjustments are enough to continue the activity without discomfort .